According to Jamaica Observer (Entertainment), FOR nearly seven decades, the heartbeat of Jamaican music has echoed through the hands of one extraordinary musician: Lawrence “Larry” McDonald. A master percussionist, cultural ambassador, and living legend, McDonald has devoted his life to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the rich rhythmic traditions of Jamaica with the world. On Monday, October 19, 2026 his remarkable journey will receive national recognition as he is awarded the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service in the field of Entertainment, acknowledging his tremendous contribution to Jamaica’s musical heritage and cultural identity. For McDonald, whose hands have helped shape the sound of ska, rocksteady, reggae, jazz, and countless other musical traditions, the honour represents more than personal achievement. It is a celebration of Jamaican culture, its ancestral rhythms, and the generations of musicians who have carri